'''Science is a faith''' is a statement that reflects a [[straw man]] or [[equivocation]] fallacy propagated by apologists to attempt to discredit "belief" in science as being no more sound than believing in god. Science does contain philosophical underpinnings which are unprovable, which thus require "faith" in the epistemological sense. However, science distinguishes itself from purely faith-based beliefs in the same way that philosophy does; by the application of logic. Science also goes one step further by adhering to demonstrable, repeatable experiments and empirical data.

'''Science is a faith''' is a statement that reflects a [[straw man]] or [[equivocation]] fallacy propagated by apologists to attempt to discredit "belief" in science as being no more sound than believing in god. Science does contain philosophical underpinnings which are unprovable, which thus require "faith" in the epistemological sense. However, science distinguishes itself from purely faith-based beliefs in the same way that philosophy does; by the application of logic. Science also goes one step further by adhering to demonstrable, repeatable experiments and empirical data.

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Furthermore, the statement indirectly generates a [[false dilemma]] by positioning science as "the dogma of the atheist". The individual who does not believe in god, but does a daily ritual to summon fairies, is likewise an atheist, but is unlikely a scientist. Science is not synonymous with atheism.

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Furthermore, the statement indirectly generates a [[false dilemma]] by positioning science as "the dogma of the atheist". The individual who does not believe in god, but does a daily ritual to summon fairies, is likewise an atheist, but is unlikely to be a scientist. Science is not synonymous with atheism.

== Development of Scientific "Beliefs" ==

== Development of Scientific "Beliefs" ==

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Most respected scientific papers, a key step for introducing new concepts into widespread belief, are peer-reviewed, in that other scientists in the relevant field are able to judge the experiment or study detailed in the paper for soundness of both experimental design and conclusions reached. Additionally, the process described should, when replicated, produce results that support the same conclusion -- scientists continually replicate and often refine experiments in order to test the validity of claims and refine theories. Claims that scientists make, therefore, are supported by developed systems of logic and reason. Anyone with the resources to replicate an experiment or the intellectual capacity to criticize conclusions is free to do so, leading to a continual development of more complex scientific concepts through more nuanced understanding of our world.

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Most respected scientific papers, a key step for introducing new concepts into widespread belief, are [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]], in that other scientists in the relevant field are able to judge the experiment or study detailed in the paper for soundness of both experimental design and conclusions reached. Additionally, the process described should, when replicated, produce results that support the same conclusion -- scientists continually replicate and often refine experiments in order to test the validity of claims and refine theories. Claims that scientists make, therefore, are supported by developed systems of logic and reason. Anyone with the resources to replicate an experiment or the intellectual capacity to criticize conclusions is free to do so, leading to a continual development of more complex scientific concepts through more nuanced understanding of our world.

In fact, the reliable functionality of so many of our modern technological conveniences rely heavily on the replicability of science. For example, modern telecommunications technology, which use the exchange of "packets" of encoded information over a myriad of mediums, from wireless technology to fiber optics, is able to relay complex information in a way that can be decoded by the recipient. While there is always the possibility of error due to unforeseen or unaccountable occurrences, the integrity of the data is more often than not preserved, and not due to "faith" in the functioning of the electronics.

In fact, the reliable functionality of so many of our modern technological conveniences rely heavily on the replicability of science. For example, modern telecommunications technology, which use the exchange of "packets" of encoded information over a myriad of mediums, from wireless technology to fiber optics, is able to relay complex information in a way that can be decoded by the recipient. While there is always the possibility of error due to unforeseen or unaccountable occurrences, the integrity of the data is more often than not preserved, and not due to "faith" in the functioning of the electronics.

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Religious beliefs, are supported, most often, solely by faith alone. The Christian evangelical who promises the potential convert a paradise after death has no means to demonstrate their claims. Relying on "sacred" texts and/or dogma, many of their beliefs have no basis for logical understanding and rely simply on accepting these works as factual.

Religious beliefs, are supported, most often, solely by faith alone. The Christian evangelical who promises the potential convert a paradise after death has no means to demonstrate their claims. Relying on "sacred" texts and/or dogma, many of their beliefs have no basis for logical understanding and rely simply on accepting these works as factual.

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{{Common objections}}

[[Category:Arguments]]

[[Category:Arguments]]

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[[Category:Arguments for belief]]

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[[Category:Criticisms of atheism]]

Revision as of 11:40, 24 October 2011

Science is a faith is a statement that reflects a straw man or equivocation fallacy propagated by apologists to attempt to discredit "belief" in science as being no more sound than believing in god. Science does contain philosophical underpinnings which are unprovable, which thus require "faith" in the epistemological sense. However, science distinguishes itself from purely faith-based beliefs in the same way that philosophy does; by the application of logic. Science also goes one step further by adhering to demonstrable, repeatable experiments and empirical data.

Furthermore, the statement indirectly generates a false dilemma by positioning science as "the dogma of the atheist". The individual who does not believe in god, but does a daily ritual to summon fairies, is likewise an atheist, but is unlikely to be a scientist. Science is not synonymous with atheism.

Development of Scientific "Beliefs"

Most respected scientific papers, a key step for introducing new concepts into widespread belief, are peer-reviewed, in that other scientists in the relevant field are able to judge the experiment or study detailed in the paper for soundness of both experimental design and conclusions reached. Additionally, the process described should, when replicated, produce results that support the same conclusion -- scientists continually replicate and often refine experiments in order to test the validity of claims and refine theories. Claims that scientists make, therefore, are supported by developed systems of logic and reason. Anyone with the resources to replicate an experiment or the intellectual capacity to criticize conclusions is free to do so, leading to a continual development of more complex scientific concepts through more nuanced understanding of our world.

In fact, the reliable functionality of so many of our modern technological conveniences rely heavily on the replicability of science. For example, modern telecommunications technology, which use the exchange of "packets" of encoded information over a myriad of mediums, from wireless technology to fiber optics, is able to relay complex information in a way that can be decoded by the recipient. While there is always the possibility of error due to unforeseen or unaccountable occurrences, the integrity of the data is more often than not preserved, and not due to "faith" in the functioning of the electronics.

Religious Beliefs

Religious beliefs, are supported, most often, solely by faith alone. The Christian evangelical who promises the potential convert a paradise after death has no means to demonstrate their claims. Relying on "sacred" texts and/or dogma, many of their beliefs have no basis for logical understanding and rely simply on accepting these works as factual.